Cynthia “Cyndy” Ellen Higgins Cain, 76, of Topeka, Kansas, peacefully departed this life on February 4, 2026, surrounded by the love of her three children. A woman of profound faith, intellect, and civic duty, Cyndy left an indelible mark on her family, friends, the state of Kansas and the countless students she mentored.

Born in Wamego, Kansas, to Mark R. and Elva Lola Porter Higgins, Cyndy was the third of five daughters in a proud military family. Though they moved frequently, the family always returned to their "home base" of St. Marys, Kansas.

On February 6, 1970, Cyndy married John R. Cain in Manhattan, Kansas. Their early years were spent exploring Europe while John served as an Officer in the US Army in Germany, an experience Cyndy remembered with great fondness. Together, they celebrated 50 years of marriage in 2020.

Cyndy’s life was defined by a lifelong pursuit of knowledge. After graduating from Junction City High School, she earned degrees from Kansas State University, the University of Kansas, and Emporia State University.

As a career educator, Cyndy taught K-12 students for decades, nurturing young minds with patience and passion. In addition to her time in the classroom, Cyndy also held positions with a local PBS station, worked alongside lawmakers in the Kansas Legislature and held a prestigious appointment in Governor Joan Finney’s administration. Cyndy believed deeply in the democratic process. She was a tireless advocate for voter registration, a longtime election day poll worker, and a representative for public school teachers through the KNEA. Her commitment to her community was further reflected in her involvement with the Shawnee County Democratic Party, the League of Women Voters and the Kansas State Alumni Association.

A lifelong, practicing Roman Catholic, Cyndy’s faith was her North Star. It guided her devotion to family, traditions and service to the community. She was known for her handwritten cards, her unwavering patriotism, love of her Irish-American heritage and pride in her family members who served in the U.S. military.

Cyndy is survived by her loving children: Jennifer (Jeff) Tripe, Alicia (Larry) Brown, and Patrick (Aubrey) Cain; her beautiful sisters: Portia Read, Priscilla Prather, and Cassandra Higgins. She was a deeply devoted and immensely proud grandmother of Sarah (Steve) Clore, Aiden Tripe, Ethan Tripe, Sadie (Bailey) Harris, Brock Brown, Kolton Brown, Libby Cain, and Henry Cain. Each of her grandchildren held a special place in her heart, and she delighted in their lives, their laughter, and their accomplishments. She was also a cherished and loving great-grandmother to Lola, Lucy and Suzannah, who brought her immeasurable joy and light. Cyndy also leaves behind her beloved brothers- and sisters-in-law, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins, all of whom were blessed by her love, warmth and unwavering presence. She was preceded in death by her husband, John, her parents and her sister, Patricia Higgins Keller.

In accordance with her wishes, Cyndy's remains will be donated to the University of Kansas Hospital to further medical education and research. A Memorial Mass will be offered for Cyndy at 12:00 PM on Saturday, March 28, 2026 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in St. Marys, KS.

A reception for family and friends will take place following the mass in the Centennial Building behind the church and all are warmly invited to attend in remembrance and joyful celebration of her beautiful life. Cyndy will be buried in Mt. Calvary Cemetery in a private ceremony with her family at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in honor of Cyndy may be made to Midwest Transplant Network by clicking HERE or to Midland Hospice Care by clicking HERE.